Date of Award
2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics
Department
Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering
First Advisor
Anthony J. Marchese
Abstract
To date, no facility-level hydrogen emission factor has been determined through field measurements for steam methane reforming (SMR) plants, leading to significant uncertainty regarding the emission behavior of such facilities. This master’s thesis focused on developing such an emission factor for SMR plants, which play a major role in the current H2 value chain.
The established single-tracer flux ratio method was applied at ten different facilities where a tracer gas was released onsite and measured downwind, along with H2 concentrations. Field measurements of H2 at the parts-per-billion level only became feasible with recent development advancements by Aerodyne Research Inc., whose novel measurement technique was utilized the first time in a broader field campaign. H2 emissions during each measurement period were determined using either correlation or integration ratio method.
Multiple measurements per facility were aggregated into a Facility-Level Emission Rate (FLER), as well as into a facility type emission factor which was normalized by the production rate. Correlation analyses were conducted between FLERs and facility-specific characteristics.
Recommended Citation
Lariviere, Niklas, "FACILITY-LEVEL HYDROGEN EMISSIONS MEASUREMENTS FROM HYDROGEN PRODUCTION FACILITIES" (2025). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2636.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2636